Travel Lightly

Travel lightly

Explore alternatives to your standard car

Less stress. More freedom. A better Auckland commute.

Every weekday, thousands of Aucklanders sit alone in their cars, engine idling, mind racing, time slipping away.

What if your daily commute could feel lighter?

Travel Lightly is an invitation to rethink how we move around Tāmaki Makaurau, one trip at a time. It’s about saving time, money and emissions, while rediscovering calmer, healthier ways to get where you need to go.

You don’t need to change everything.

You just need to try one different journey at a time.

The daily commute is costing us more than we realise

If you commute alone in a car every day, you’re likely paying in ways that don’t show up on your fuel receipt:

Lost time sitting in traffic instead of living your life.
Daily stress before the workday even begins.
Rising costs from fuel, parking, and vehicle wear.
Higher emissions contributing to climate change and air pollution.

Most of us didn’t choose this out of love for traffic. We chose it because it felt like the only option.

Travel Lightly exists to show you that Auckland has more choices than you might think.

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Auckland already has better ways to move

Across the city, people are quietly commuting differently and loving it.

Trains and buses that let you read, think, or scroll instead of gripping the steering wheel.
E-bikes and cycleways that turn travel time into movement and fresh air.
Walking connections that add calm and clarity to your day.
Carpooling that halves costs and emissions instantly.
Ferries that remind you Auckland is a coastal city, not just a motorway.

Want to jump on a bus, train or a ferry?

Get an AT HOP Card to use on bus, train and ferry services.
Check if you qualify for any discounts.
Download AT Mobile App that shows you real-time bus/ train/ ferry schedules, and helps you plan your trip door-to-door.

Travel Lightly helps you explore which of these options could work for you, where you live, and where you’re going. No guilt. No perfection. Just practical shifts.

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Start small. Feel the difference fast.

You don’t need to sell your car or overhaul your routine.

Try one of these instead:

Swap one car trip a week for public transport.
Drive part-way, then walk or bike the last stretch.
Test an e-bike for a month.
Carpool just two days a week.

Many Aucklanders discover something unexpected when they try:

Their commute feels less draining.
Their mornings feel more spacious.
Their city feels closer and more human.
That’s the quiet power of travelling lightly.

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This isn’t about giving things up. It’s about getting more out of your day.

When more of us travel lightly, Auckland becomes:

Quieter streets.
Cleaner air.
Safer neighbourhoods.
A city designed for people, not just cars.

But the benefits start with you:

More energy at the start and end of the day.
Fewer transport costs over time.
A sense of contributing to something bigger.

Try one lighter journey this week.

Your next commute can feel different. Small changes add up, for you and for the community around you.

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Tips for earth-friendly travel

Uncover practical tips to make your journeys greener. Learn about fuel-efficient driving, carpooling strategies, and how to plan eco-conscious road trips. Small changes make a big impact.

Bicycles: Biking is a zero-emission mode of transport that promotes personal health and reduces air pollution. Electric bikes (e-bikes) are also gaining popularity for longer commutes. Dust off your bike, get a second-hand option or find a bike repair shop near you.

Public transport: Buses and trains are energy-efficient modes of transportation that reduce the number of individual vehicles on the road, lowering overall carbon emissions. Use AT's Journey Planner for all public transport options.

Walking: The most eco-friendly mode of transport, walking has zero environmental impact and promotes a healthy lifestyle. If your destination is close enough, give it a try to see how long it takes you.

Carpooling: Sharing rides with others helps reduce the number of vehicles on the road, easing traffic congestion and decreasing individual carbon footprints. Ideal for everyday journeys, such as commuting to work or coordinating drop-offs for kids' activities. Check out a new App in this space Carpoolin

Electric vehicles (EVs): EVs produce fewer emissions compared to traditional vehicles, contributing to improved air quality. As the charging infrastructure expands, more people are making the switch to electric cars.

And more: Car sharing, electric scooters (such as Lime)...

Bus

Kia ora and thanks to our funders and partners, who make it all possible!